Three Feathers Trial Underway

After months of setbacks and delays, the Three Feathers Casino trial is underway in Albany. Anthony Laughing Sr., 66, William Roger Jock, 52, and Thomas Angus Square, all of Akwesasne, and Joseph Hight, 44, Atlanta, Ga. are accused of running an illegal gambling venture on Indian land and illegal transportation of gaming devices on Indian land. They were also accused in a separate state indictment with stealing at least $200,000 worth of electricity from National Grid.

At the heart of the trial is whether or the People of the Way of the Longhouse, or Kanienkehaka Kaianerehkowa Kanonhsesne are considered members of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe – federal prosecutors argue they are not. The feds believe the casino, which ran from July 2011 to September 2012, was a criminal venture. The tribe met the casino with resistance, filing a cease and desist order several months after the doors opened. It was raided in December 2012.

The defense argues that the defendants had no criminal intent and are a part of the tribe; they were simply trying to provide jobs and gambling revenue to an economically-depressed area.

Last month, Square unsuccessfully moved for Judge Thomas J. McAvoy to recuse himself on the grounds that he cannot preside impartially. He claimed McAvoy has no jurisdiction over him, further accusing him of being in a “good-ole-boys club.” Square also sought immediate release from federal custody and the outright dismissal of all charges against him.

The trial was supposed to begin February 11 of this year, but was postponed three times.